Usher Tinkler Paperwasp Chardonnay 2025

This new release from Usher Tinkler came about over a shared bottle of wine, as so often great ideas do with the desire to offer a barrel fermented Hunter Valley Chardonnay immediately accessible both in style and price point. Usher Tinker own over 60 hectares of established vineyard in Pokolbin including some superb older Chardonnay vines. This wine comes from a 1.6 hectare vineyard planted in 1985, vines now over 35 years old, sandy loam composition.

Handpicked, 100% barrel fermented in a mix of 1 to 3 year old French oak with a small portion going through malolactic fermentation. The 2022 has been aged for 18 months on fine lees with battonage during the elevage.

This wine takes it’s name from the vineyard “Paperwasp Vineyard” due to the high number of Paperwasps that nest in the vines around harvest time.

“Off the back of an excellent 2024 debut, the 2025 edition of the Usher Tinkler Paper Wasp Chardonnay elevates its standing and demands attention.
My readers may well be bored of me saying that Hunter Valley Chardonnay is underrated, but I am not. There are some thrilling examples right through the district, and this Paper Wasp has certainly stamped its authority. A wonderfully balanced wine with fine lines, there is more elegance, finesse and purity here than its predecessor. Perhaps Usher Tinkler has nailed the perfect potion? I hope he sticks with it.

With 15% going through malolactic fermentation, it sees French oak for 8 months (10% new). White fleshed nectarines, ribbons of vanilla cream and custard powder light up the stage as delicate lemon juice cuddles the stonefruit. Nougat and raw cashews waltz with a fine texture feathered throughout. A wine of poise and class, it’s a cracking Chardonnay for $38. Rush at this before Tinkler comes to his senses and ups the price.” – 95 pts – Qwine